Rwanda Nears Historic Deal to Host Formula 1's Return to Africa

Formula 1 appears to be on the verge of a historic return to African soil. According to reporting by RacingNews365 on 6 October 2026, sources in the paddock indicated that Rwanda has been granted the opportunity to host a grand prix, with an official announcement expected within weeks. The Independent and The Straits Times followed with similar accounts on 7 and 8 October, citing government and FIA-adjacent sources who said an agreement had effectively been reached, with the race not expected to join the calendar before the 2030s.

The plan centres on a permanent circuit to be built roughly 40 kilometres outside Kigali, near the site of the planned Bugesera International Airport, based on design work linked to former F1 driver Alexander Wurz's firm. Rwandan President Paul Kagame first announced his country's intention to bid for a grand prix at the FIA General Assembly held in Kigali in December 2024, and has since maintained close contact with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

The development has triggered a sharp response from South Africa, whose sports minister Gayton McKenzie posted on social media acknowledging Rwanda's head start while insisting South Africa would still secure a race before 2030. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, who has for years campaigned publicly for an African round, told reporters in Singapore that he had no real news but reiterated that the continent deserves a place on the calendar, calling it the most important and most beautiful continent.

It is important to stress that, as of this writing, no formal contract has been signed or publicly ratified by Formula 1 or the FIA. Construction has not begun and a final circuit layout has not been confirmed, according to ESPN's reporting. African Grand Prix will continue to track this story as it moves from strong media reporting toward an official announcement.

Source: RacingNews365.

Original source: RacingNews365 — https://racingnews365.com/breaking-f1-to-return-to-africa-for-brand-new-grand-prix